AIDS, Peacebuilding Week, Secretary-General/Travel & other topics - Daily Press Briefing

All right.
Good afternoon.
Welcome.
In a short while, I'll be joined by my guest, Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UN AIDS.
She'll be here to brief you as the General Assembly High level meeting on HIV AIDS kicks off today until tomorrow.
And this morning at that very meeting, our Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed spoke on the Secretary-General behalf.
She pointed out that progress over the past years in dealing with the disease, noting that AIDS related deaths have been reduced by 70% since their peak in 2004 and by 54% since 2010.
HIV prevention and treatment services have been reduced, new infections by 40% in the same period she added, but the Deputy Secretary-General It warned that AIDS is not over.
At the end of 2024, 9.2 million people in need still lack access to HIV treatment, and 1.3 million acquired HIV.
Most tragically, 630,000 lives were lost to AIDS related deaths.
The Secretary-General remarks underscored five priorities to face the AIDS challenge, to close the widening gaps in access to prevention, treatment, care, and services to continue ensuring the leadership of communities in the HIV response, respect for human rights, adequate financing, and a revival of the multilateral spirit that has driven HIV response from the very start.
Those remarks were shared with you.
Also, today we marked the first ever peace building week, an important milestone which is 20 years since the inaugural session of the Peace Building Commission.
And also 20 years since the establishment of the Secretary-General Peace Building Fund.
More than 50 events in New York and 20 around the world are being organized here at headquarters today.
The joint session of the Peace Building Commission and the Economic Social Council is taking place through 1:00 P.M.
On advancing social cohesion through job creation in peace building context.
Also on Thursday, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks at the Peace Building Commission's annual session, which will take place in the General Assembly Hall.
And a reminder at 1:30 P.M.
In this very room, we hope to find you here for the briefing where we will be joined by Elizabeth Spehar the Assistant Secretary-General Head of the Peace Building and Peace Support Office, alongside Omar Hilale, the permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations and current President of the Peace Building Commission, chair of the Peace Building Commission.
And the permanent representative of Egypt, Ihab Moustafa Awad Moustafa and the Slovenia's Ambassador Samuel Žbogar They will provide an overview of the peace building week and the importance of investing in prevention and peace building at a time of global challenges.
That's at 1:30 P.M.
I know it's a busy day.
Meanwhile, our Secretary-General is arriving in London, I where he will attend a series of events taking place during London Climate Action Week.
He will deliver a special address on climate energy tomorrow morning in London, outlining how renewable energies offers the clearest route to energy security, to affordability, and to resilience, and also underscoring the destructive role played by fossil fuels in the climate crisis and energy crisis we face.
Those remarks have been shared with you.
And from Ukraine, the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us they've received reports from Ukrainian authorities that nearly 40 civilians were killed over the weekend, including one child and nearly 250 others were injured, including dozen children.
The attacks also damaged homes, critical energy, port, and transportation infrastructure.
Frontline regions were particularly affected, including the regions of parita, Sumi, Keron, and Donetsk.
Attacks on industrial facilities in the region of Poltava also killed and injured more than a dozen civilians, including children, according to authorities, and in the region of Odessa, attacks struck an agricultural enterprise and several civilian vessels killing a number of people, including an Egyptian national and injuring two others.
That's what authorities are telling us.
Attacks on energy infrastructure left parts of seven regions without electricity and with the regions of Donetsk and Croson heavily affected.
Nearly 1,400 people were evacuated over the weekend in Dot.
Humanitarian organizations in support of the UN provided psychological support, emergency shelter materials, and other aid.
Despite all of this, during the first quarter of 2026, humanitarian organizations reached some 2.2 million people with at least one form of assistance, including food, water, health care, and shelter support.
The largest share of the support was delivered in frontline areas and to people impacted by the strikes.
For this assistance to continue, we will need continued and predictable funding.
This year, we and our humanitarian partners are calling for $2.3 billion appeal and this afternoon at 3:00 P.M.
There will be a briefing in the Security Council on Ukraine requested by Ukraine.
Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Kiri from the Department of Political Affairs will brief.
Also briefing is expected excuse me, sorry, he's expected to brief on the continuing intensification of hostilities and their impact on civilian infrastructure.
He will be briefing along Edm Wosornu, Director of Crisis Response Division.
At the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Turning to Sudan where reports of escalating violence in and around Obaed which is, as you know, the state capital of North Kordofan, that continued violence is putting civilians at increased risk and disrupting essential services.
Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that between Thursday and yesterday, drone attacks reportedly targeted multiple locations, including a power substation and a fuel station, according to local media group, the local medical group, Sudan Doctors Network, The attacks forced the closure of several medical facilities in the city, including a dialysis center.
They also reportedly caused a shutdown of water stations, further disrupting access to essential services for the population that is in Obaed.
Elsewhere in North Kordofan, local sources reported that yesterday two key bridges located south of the city of Uburwaba were targeted by drones along the main road from Uburbawa to Abu Chubbya connecting North Kordofan to South Kordofan.
Despite all of this, our humanitarian partners reported movement along the corridor remained possible as of yesterday.
Multiple drone attacks were also reported yesterday in the city of A Rahd located in southeast of Obaid, that's along a key highway.
Meanwhile, in nearby West Cordfan the cholera outbreak continues to worsen due to limited humanitarian access and insecurity, ongoing displacement and inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
We and our partners have supported the provision of cholera treatments, supplies, and awareness raising campaigns in addition to establishing cholera treatment in the state.
Drone strikes have also been reported in other parts of Sudan in recent days, including in North Darfur and White Nile states causing civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
We reiterate once again our call on all parties to uphold their responsibilities under international law and international humanitarian law, which includes the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and to facilitate rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian aid to whomever needs it wherever they may be.
Turning to Southern Lebanon, I can tell you that yesterday marked the first day since the resumption of hostilities on March 2nd in Lebanon, that peacekeepers from our peacekeeping force in Lebanon did not detect any trajectories or observe any interceptions.
UNIFIL says this lack of activities has continued through this morning.
We welcome this reduction of hostilities and we very much hope that this trend continues for the sake of people on the ground.
Follows an intense escalation on Friday and Saturday after the latest reported cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
On Saturday, UNIFIL attributed multiple airstrikes and 451 firing incidents to IV IDF and 20 trajectories to Hezbollah and eight projectile interceptions.
Over the past three days, UNIFIL peacekeepers have, however, continued to observe extensive IDF ground activities throughout the mission's area of responsibilities, including armored maneuvers, as well as engineering and logistical activities.
Peacekeepers also continue to observe violation of Lebanese airspace by IDF aircrafts, although this has been observed at reduced levels.
Yesterday, UNIFIL peacekeepers encountered multiple restrictions of their freedom of movement across the ARF operations.
In Sector East, an IDF roadblock denied passage to a UNIFIL convoy despite pride deconfliction and two UNIFIL patrols were turned back by the IDF in Sector West.
Peacekeepers also encountered a roadblock by the Lebanese armed forces in Sector East prompting our colleagues to divert to an alternate route.
On the humanitarian front, FL, through its liaison branch in coordination with OCHA facilitated eight humanitarian missions in Sector West on June 20th.
On the broader humanitarian front, OCHA tells us that families displaced by months of hostilities are starting to return to southern areas despite widespread destruction.
Damaged infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
Uncertainty remains high.
For many, some families are moving closer to the areas of origin and waiting for conditions to improve before making a final decision on what they should do.
Next, while violence has decreased significantly in recent days, the human toll of the conflict continues to be felt across the country.
We continue to call on the protection of civilians, sustained humanitarian access and conditions that allow displaced families to return home voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.
Turning to the occupied Palestinian territory, our OCHA colleagues tell us that in Gaza, civilians continue to be exposed to Israeli airstrikes, naval fire, shelling and they also continued to be exposed to shooting in all of this in residential areas.
Our safety and security partners tell us that such incidents occurred over the weekend across all governorates, primarily west of the yellow line.
We've seen with great concern reports that civilians are among those killed.
On access, our partners say Karim Shalom, Abu Salem remains the only crossing currently available for A to enter Gaza.
They also report that Israeli checkpoints set up in early June in Southern Gaza is no longer causing major delays for convoys reaching the crossing, which is good news.
Over the weekend into this morning, we've collected multiple shipments from Karim Shalom, including food, blanket, educational supplies, recreation items for children, hygiene kits, and fuel.
We continue to ask for additional crossing points to be opened and for items that are being restricted to have those restrictions lifted.
Fuel, however, also remains limited.
Partners rely on a single Egyptian provider who is not always able to meet the quantities required.
In addition, Israeli authorities allow fuel imports, whether from Egypt or Israel only during limited opening hours of the Krem Shalom Absalm crossing.
As a result, in the second week of June, humanitarian partners inside Gaza were forced to prioritize fuel allocations to lifesaving services and suspend those allocations for less critical services.
You'll recall that even when fuel is available, generators often lack lubricant oils needed to operate.
There are also difficulty getting Israeli approval for spare parts.
Turning to the West Bank, violence also remains at concerning levels.
Yesterday, Israeli forces shot and killed a boy and a man who allegedly within a group burning tires and throwing Molotov cocktails towards a settlement near Hebron.
Our humanitarian colleagues recall that in law enforcement contexts across the West Bank, lethal force may only be used as a last resort.
Those perpetrating unlawful accounts attacks must be held to account.
And back here this morning, there was an open briefing on Syria and the Security Council.
Members heard from our friend Claudio Cordon, the Deputy special envoy in Syria.
He said UN engagements with the Syrian government on the political transition is advancing constructively, though significant work remains.
He said that relocating the mission's Geneva based staff to Damascus would support those efforts.
He will return to Damascus next week to continue discussions with Syrian officials on various area of cooperations.
Also briefing was OSHA's Assistant Secretary-General ad interim Indri Rtwate said that meetings between the government and UN partners helped to advance the no camps, no tents, vision focused on protection, service provision, and sustainable livelihoods in returning refugees.
He urged greater international support, noting the $2.92 billion humanitarian appeal is only 20% funded, despite nearing its midpoint.
A quick note on Ebola where UNICEF warns that global confirmed Ebola cases reached 1,000, nearly 3 million children and adolescents are at risk in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They are at risk from the disease itself and from the breakdown of es sexual services such as health, education, and protection services.
Children make up for 15% of confirmed cases and 25% of the deaths.
Children are almost twice as likely to die as adults.
Over 130 children have already lost one or both parents in Ituri.
Which as you know, is the epicenter and origin of this current outbreak.
UNICEF is seeking $70.7 million for its six months response with 20 million still unfunded.
UNICEF calls for immediate, safe, and sustained humanitarian access to affected communities so lifesaving assistance can reach children and families in need.
Our friend said the W Food Program today in Rome had a high level visit, and that was from Pope Leo XV, who visited WFP headquarters just outside of Rome, calling access to food a fundamental human right.
He called on the international community to renew its commitment and increased resources to combat hunger and malnutrition.
His visit comes at a time of acute strain on the humanitarian system.
Global hunger has climbed to unprecedented levels with an estimated 266 million people across 47 countries facing acute food insecurity last year, yet funding for food assistance has fallen sharply.
He stressed that food security is a central component of global security raising concerns about barriers to humanitarian action.
He also laid a wreath at WFP's memorial wall to honor the 171 WFP staff members who've lost their lives while serving vulnerable communities around the world.
Under Secretary-General for political and peace building Affairs, Rosemary Dole is in Panama today to take part in the 56th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States.
She's doing that on behalf of the Secretary-General.
She will also participate in the commemoration of the bicentennial of the 18 26 Amhictnic Congress of Panama.
Does anyone know what the 18 26 Amphictronic Congress of Panama was? No.
Well, I learned with you.
It's when delegates met in Panama City to advance dialogue and cooperation among newly independent states of the region to pursue peace, solidarity, and collective action through shared principles.
She will pay tribute to those who gathered two centuries ago by renewing our commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
She will also engage with leaders attending the summit.
Lastly, at 4:30 this afternoon in conference room six, the first Human Security Awards will be announced by the co chairs of the Group of Friends of Human Security.
Permanent mission of Costa Rica, Japan, and Senegal, together with the UN Human Security Unit.
The 2026 Human Security Awards will recognize six outstanding UN initiatives that have successfully translated the human security approach in tangible improvements in people's lives across the world.
The six award winning programs demonstrate human security in practice, include project in Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, Senegal, and Syria, and that will take place in half an hour before the kickoff of the France, Iraq game.
In case you are wondering, eating Thank you, Sh.
Secretary-General is going to be in London.
Is he planning to meet Keir Starmer? Had he been planning to meet Keir Starmer? He had met the Prime Minister in London in January earlier this year.
There is a scheduled meeting with Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, that's supposed to take place tomorrow.
So no meeting as he exits the No, sir.
No, ma'am.
We understand it's a rather busy time politically in London today.
Does he have any comment about the departure? No.
I mean, he's the Secretary-General has always found Mr.
Starmer to be a very reliable partner, and he's very much appreciated the cooperation he's had with him during his time in office.
One more question on the fighting in Hello Bag, which is getting worse.
Is the UN or is anybody else trying to bring an end to the fighting and get the parties together? He is if you'll recall, Mr.
Havisos currently in fact in Washington, has made a number of phone calls.
He spoke with the head of the IRSF on Friday and various other people are doing what we can to try to prevent what could be a tragic situation.
Yes, sir.
Madam.
Thank you, Steph.
I'll start with a very simple question.
Is it ever appropriate for a permanent representative in this building to tell a UN employee, nonetheless, a woman appointed by the Secretary-General, you're going to shut up.
I'm speaking now.
Look, I saw the video of the heated exchange.
I think it's always important to maintain decorum in these meetings.
I don't want to revisit what happened.
I think it's important to keep the focus on the meeting itself, which is the protection of children and the prevention of sexual violence and conflict.
I can tell you that miss Frazier enjoys the full support and confidence of the Secretary-General.
Why didn't he put that out in a statement? Sorry? Why didn't the Secretary-General put that out in a statement? You've asked me, I'm telling you now very clearly.
Last question on that Steph is after that incident took place, whatever happened, I'm not going to judge one way or the other in this form, the permanent representative of Israel posted messages attacking the credibility of miss Frazier online.
That could lead potentially to hostilities, either online or otherwise against a UN official appointed by the Secretary-General.
What can the UN do to protect UN personnel against hatred and or personal attacks it is incumbent to for those in responsibility who are on social media platforms to use a tone and content that is conducive to real discussions.
Hi, Steph.
Lebanon and Washington announced the creation of a new ceasefire monitoring mechanism in southern Lebanon.
Are you aware is the UN included in? Yes, we are aware I think everybody's trying to gather some details to what exactly that means, but we always stand ready to support any initiative that would bring the people of Lebanon and the people of Israel calm and inability to return to their normal lives.
Okay.
Seeing no other questions.
I will ask you to stay in your seat while I get our while I get our guest.